ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 18, 2023
I was reading from Soren Kierkegaard yesterday, a wonderfully thoughtful writer who will suddenly stick you with a phrase or idea that pierces the soul. I was caught up in a discussion of cowardice that seemed to project this gutless response onto some theoretical group distant from me. Then Kierkegaard wrote,
“Cowardice and time always find a reason for not hurrying, for saying, “Not today, but tomorrow,” whereas God in heaven and the eternal say: “Do it today. Now is the day of salvation.” The eternal refrain of decision is: “Today, today.” But cowardice holds back, holds us up. If only cowardice would appear in all its baseness, one could recognize it for what it is and fight it immediately.”
Suddenly, I found myself struck by the connection between cowardice and time, or, might I call it procrastination. I could have been a professional procrastinator, as my skill set is top-notch and my tool bag is well-stocked. But is procrastination, at least in some settings, just a more acceptable word for cowardice?
Last Sunday, we talked about God-dreams—those moments when God casts a vision before us or instills an idea deep within us. As a procrastinator, I have many exceptional excuses for why today is not a good day. I have become comfortable with my procrastination, even using it as a punchline, such as “I’m giving up procrastination, and I have decided that tomorrow is the best day.” It deflects and might even provide cover for my fellow procrastinators. Yet the question put forth by Kierkegaard makes me wonder if my procrastination is nothing more than cowardice, a fear of what the God-dream might require.
Whatever my excuse, no matter how genuine it might appear, I seek the nudge of your Spirit, O God. Procrastination can easily transition from habit to profession, and yet, despite your eternal patience, far too many people are overlooked by the very gifts you instilled in me. Ask me again, O Holy One, and maybe I’ll say YES. Amen.
